Blyth Alpine Loop, Manawatu - Wanganui, New Zealand - Trail Running Directory

Solid alpine loop on a mix of trail with some good vert and fast downhill

Blyth Hut, Turoa, Waitonga Falls

Waitonga Falls track, Blyth Track

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Last Updated: 7th May 2026

Intermediate

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Grunt Factor: 22 ?

Gnarl Factor: 43 ?

13.2km

Length of run

785m

Total Ascent

795m

Total Descent

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Volcanic

Other

Run Makeup

31%

12%

15%

27%

Sealed Road

Gravel / Boardwalk

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.80%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.90%

Garmin Course

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Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:30

Slow

1:45

Moderate

1:20

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Best to have the GPX file downloaded for this one, and some clear weather (but it's also good fun in the winter for competent and well prepared adventurers).

Park at the Waitonga Falls carpark (12km up the Ohakune Mountain Road) and head off on the walking track for the falls/Round the Mountain Track. There are several easy stream crossings after the Waitonga falls then you have a few hill scrambles up to the Blyth Hut track turnoff 2.5km in. Follow the marked track up to Blyth Hut which is 4.0km in (you will pass another private hut on your left, 3.6km in, continue past this).

Once you've passed the hut, continue on the trail straight up the mountain. From here there are DOC markers but also reference your GPX track. It's good fun from here as you break out of the last of the alpine vegetation and hit the rocky trail which is quite runnable in places. After 7.5km total distance, you will hit 'Clarrys Track', the ski run down to the Turoa base, passing the water reservoir on your left. This is a flat and fast track, follow it to the road and continue back to the carpark. You can easily make up time on this section of road.

Mountain tarns with Mt Ruapehu as a backdrop, Waitonga Falls, true mountain trails

Long drop at Blyth Hut.

Transport and parking:

Safe parking with lots of room.

Distance from Ohakune:

12 km

Driving time from Ohakune:

17 minutes

Dog friendly:

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

Track is clear all the way to Blyth Hut, DOC markers beyond the hut to the ski field. Use GPX file ideally but on a clear day it is clear where to go.

Cellphone Coverage:

Patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

Streams are abundant and safe to drink from. There is tank water at the hut.

Seasonality Issues:

Ideally a summer/autumn run. Snow can cover the track above the hut all winter.

Turoa Cafe
Turoa Skifield Base
Sometimes open out of winter season

Powder Keg
Bottom of Ohakune Mountain Road
Top spot for a bit and drink

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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.

Blyth Hut and Beyond

Length: 21.5km

Level: Intermediate

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Blyth Alpine Loop

Solid alpine loop on a mix of trail with some good vert and fast downhill

Blyth Hut, Turoa, Waitonga Falls